Next NSW Race

Latest News

Spotlight Moves To 'Gen Next' But 'Gen Fred' Still Remembered (Goulburn)

Racing, like time, lives by the clock! It moves on, names appear, reappear but eventually are counted over by a new breed.

That's just how it is. On Friday at Goulburn's Christmas race meeting both new and old are spot lit.

Apprentice and racing 'next genner' Hannah Williams will look to continue her recent 'festive' form after delivering a confident on-pace win aboard Big Ray (Lucy Longmire) at Nowra last Sunday.

Hannah Williams unsaddles a winner at Hawkesbury. Image by Bradley Photographers

She also went top two at Canberra two days prior on the in-form Mittata (Emma Longmire). A month back she also rode consecutive city placings in a 24-hour period.

Williams is part of a strong group of young riders currently learning their craft in the South East, and she couldn't be happier doing anything else.

"I've ridden horses since I could remember, I grew up riding ponies and went onto pony club and eventing so I was always bound to find a career in the equine industry," Williams highlighted.

"After riding trackwork for a long time I wanted to make something of it and became an apprentice jockey!

"It’s most definitely turned into my dream job. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!"

Originally from Albury/Wodonga where she rode a lot of trackwork for Craig Widdison and others, Williams is now apprenticed to Danielle Seib.

"I moved to Wagga to start my apprenticeship in NSW and I’ve been in Goulburn for a year now with Danielle and loving it."

She feels she's been lucky to have the support of many people in the industry in her fledgling career.

"I’ve got an incredible support system in Danielle and her team, my family are great to lean on as well. I’ve had great support from many trainers here and interstate including Craig Widdison, Dan McCarthy, Matt Dale and Danny Williams who have been happy to put me on a few in town."

"I also had a lot of luck for Norm Gardner in riding Delacour to consecutive wins against city opposition! I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given from all trainers!"

Williams also 'thanked' current partner and fellow jockey Nick Heywood as a big help!

"The main one would have to be my partner Nick Heywood, especially early days in my apprenticeship and still very much so now to help with my riding ... he gives a very honest critique!!"

In a testament to her talent Williams is being rewarded with rides at country, provincial and city level with the end of this week a prime example.

She has two rides at Goulburn before entering the city limits at the Canterbury Park night meeting with a ride for Danielle Seib (Charlemagne in Race 7-$9.50 on TAB), backed up by an appearance at Royal Randwick on Saturday in Race 8 (Superazi at $13 for Ben Brisbourne).

At Goulburn Williams' will ride Lady Kah (Emma Longmire) in Race 3 The Ultimate Horse Shop Class 3 Hcp over 1200m. The mare had won two from three before disappointing first-up at Warwick Farm, however, Williams is keen to do her bit in helping the upside mare bounce back.

"I’ve been able to sit on her a couple of times now at trackwork and I think she is going super, back on her home track, she’s drawn well, she’s had that run under her belt now too."

Williams also rides topweight Banger for Craig Widdison in Goulburn's feature, the Jewell Builders Fred Cooper Cup (1600m).

Edition number 13 of the race a timely reminder of a club legend not that long lost to us whose generous nature and time committed to country racing will never be forgotten.

'Fred' gave thousands of hours to the progress of Goulburn racing. He served as President, Vice President, Lord of the Lawn Mower and 'general stirrer' at both the new and old racetracks.

His tireless efforts helped play a major part in making Goulburn one of the most competitive racing surfaces in NSW.

Goulburn Race Club CEO, Robyn Fife said the club recently unveiled a new memorial garden in Fred's honour.

"Fred was involved in the Goulburn District Race Club in some capacity for more than forty years! An amazing achievement that can never be overstated," Ms Fife said.

“Without his drive and passion supporting this club there is no doubt that our progress would have been slower in that time and country racing all the poorer.”

The Jewell Builders Fred Cooper Cup (1600m) is Race 2 on Friday's seven race card at Goulburn and timed to go at 2.25pm.

Goulburn's track is currently rated a Soft 6 with summer temperatures of 28 degrees predicted on Thursday and Friday.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Goulburn here

The Latest Racing News

Tom Moxon Fronts The Next Generation Of Stewards

By Ray Hickson When you’ve learned from the best there’s no reason for Tom Moxon, Racing NSW’s new chairman of ...
Read More

Eagle Appeals To Pride As Likely Target For Castello

By Ray Hickson El Castello’s new trainer Joe Pride is strongly considering setting his new recruit for the $10 million ...
Read More

Friday Focus - A Snapshot Of Saturday Racing

By Nick Berney ROSEHILL GARDENS – BEST BET: Race 3 # 6 – EXIT FEE Keen on him and his ...
Read More

Smith Playing To Alliance's Strengths With Fresh Approach

By Ray Hickson An explosive come from behind win last month has convinced trainer Matthew Smith about what World Alliance’s ...
Read More

Rosehill Winners - Tips For Saturday 5th July

By Ray Hickson Race 1 - 11:05AM THANK YOU ATC MEMBERS HANDICAP (1100 METRES) Barrier one just might be a ...
Read More
Loading...
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links